Heckler interrupts Cowen's radio debate

A live Newstalk Radio debate with deputy leaders of six political parties was tonight interrupted for nearly 60 seconds by a heckler.

The hour-long broadcast of The Right Hook was coming to an end in Dublin’s ’Pepper Cannister Church’ when the protester started shouting at Finance Minister Brian Cowen.

The heckler began to say that the health and education system in Ireland had failed him before he was removed from the building.

Presenter George Hook quipped afterwards: “Five years and four weeks ago I became a radio broadcaster and somebody said to me: ’live broadcasting is quite difficult’ – now you know what I mean.”

Deputy leaders Richard Bruton, Liz McManus, Liz O’Donnell, Mary White and Mary Lou McDonald also took part in the show.

Meanwhile RTÉ has confirmed that Pat Rabbitte, Gerry Adams, Trevor Sargent and Michael McDowell will take part in a Prime Time debate on Wednesday evening.

The broadcast will be presented by Mark Little.

Anchor Miriam O’Callaghan will chair the live debate between Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny the following night.